THE  LIBRARY 

OF 

THE  UNIVERSITY 
OF  CALIFORNIA 

LOS  ANGELES 


\ 


Metre, 


BY 


LOUISE  J.  KNOWLES. 


1889. 

CRAMER,  AIKENS  &  CRAMER. 
MILWAUKEE,  Wis. 


PS 


DEDICflTED 


TO 


MY  CHILDREN 


"To  thy  full  thoughts,  gay  or  sad, 
Sunny-hued  or  sober  clad, 
Something  of  my  own  I  add  ; 

"Well  assured  that  thou  wilt  take 
Even  the  offering  which  I  make 
Kindly  for  the  giver's  sake." 


761027 


f-'e  *"t — Bi&B — T*  -K. 

•Sf  m^X HWB »— .  >£? 

PAGE. 

Take  Thy  Blessings,  -      7 

The  Sparrow,      -  9 

Value  the  Moments,  11 

Step  by  Step,  13 

Little  Things,  -     ]5 

Sleep,  17 

Guidance,  -                       -    19 

The  Lord  is  My  Shepherd,  21 

Meet  Care  Cheerfully,  23 

A  Question,  25 

Do  Not  Forget,  -    29 

A  Cheerful  Heart,  31 

No  End,  -    33 

Looking  Back,    -  35 

The  Seashell's  Message,     -  -    37 

Indian  Summer,  39 

Thought,  -    41 

The  Christian's  Victory,  43 

Kenilworth,    -  47 

Content,  -  51 

My  Soul  and  I,  53 

Are  We  Eeady  ?  55 

Carry  All  to  Jesus,  57 

In  a  Crowd,        -  59 

Thou  Lovest  Me,  -    63 

A  Prayer,  65 

On  Passing  a  Graveyard,  -  -    67 

Life's  Tangled  Web,     -  -           69 


Tiny  Blessings. 


Take  thy  blessings,  never  doubting 
They  by  love  divine  are  sent ; 

Do  not  question,  take  them  simply, 
Let  them  make  thy  life  content. 

Take  thy  blessings,  use  them  rightly, 
Murmur  not  if  sorrows  come ; 

Gather  up  life's  golden  sunbeams, 
Let  their  radiance  bless  thy  home. 

Take  thy  blessings,  ever  thankful, 
Know  they're  sent  by  One  who's  wise ; 

And  that  oft  the  heaviest  crosses 
Are  but  blessings  in  disguise. 

Take  thy  blessings,  let  life's  sunshine 
Brightly  cheer  thy  onward  way ; 

Grasp  each  blessing  at  the  moment, 
And  be  happy  day  by  day. 

Take  thy  blessings  with  thy  sorrows — 
Which  is  which  thou  ne'er  canst  tell — 

Take  in  meekness  what  is  sent  thee, 
Know  God  doeth  all  things  well. 


Sparrow. 

(In  America.) 


An  English  Sparrow,  hopping  'round, 

Picking  the  seeds  from  off  the  ground, 

Said  to  himself:   "This  land  is  free ; 

I'll  have  my  rights,  whate'er  they  be, 

In  country  lane,  or  city  street, 

Where  birds  of  various  plumage  meet : 

They  shall  not  rule  and  conquer  me, 

Be  they  of  high  or  low  degree. 

For  I  will  build  a  cosy  nest 

In  any  place  I  like  the  best ; 

And  if  the  Martin  or  the  Wren 

Have  in  the  place  before  me  been, 

I  shall  insist  upon  my  right, 

And  if  'tis  necessary — fight. 

For  what  does  freedom  mean,  I  pray, 

If  it  is  not  to  have  your  way  ? 

Oh,  it  is  glorious  to  be 

In  this  great  land  where  all  is  free ! " 

Thus  Sparrow  in  his  folly  said, 

But  noticed  not  that  overhead 

A  Butcher  Bird  watched  him  with  care, 

And  thinking  him  a  morsel  rare 

Was  ready  in  his  sudden  flight, 

With  cruel  haste,  his  hopes  to  blight : 

Who  said :  "Oh,  yes,  this  land  is  free ; 

It's  just  the  place  for  you  and  me. 

I,  too,  believe  in  rights  of  all — 

The  greater  hold  in  right  the  small. 


The  web  the  spider  spins  with  care, 

Although  its  workmanship  is  rare, 

Is  just  a  net  to  catch  the  fly 

Who  struggles  in  it  but  to  die. 

Such  is  the  freedom  it  would  teach; 

And  let  us  learn  a  lesson  each  : 

The  spider  dines  upon  the  fly, 

And  you  to  catch   the   spider  try ; 

To  make  the  lesson  strictly  true 

Of  course,  I,  too,  must  dine  on  you." 

Should  not  this  fable  mortals  show 
The   high  should   not  oppress  the  low? 
That  greed,  in  whate'er  form  it  be, 
Is  quite  unworthy  of  the  free. 
True  freedom  is  a  boon  to  all — 
The  rich,  the  poor,  the  great,  the  small ; 
And  he  is  the  most  truly  free 
Who  does  the  right,  whate'er  it  be. 


Value  tl^e  Monqerits. 


Let  us  use  our  moments  rightly, 

They  cannot  be  bought  or  sold ; 
Ever  coming,  ever  going, 

Ever  new  and  never  old. 
Let  us  welcome  them  with  pleasure, 

Every  moment  one  by  one ; 
For  each  moment  has  its  duty — 

Let  it  cheerfully  be  done. 


Step  By  Step. 


I  am  climbing  up  the  mountain,  step  by  step, 
I  am  drinking  at  the  fountain  by  the  way ; 

I  am  looking  to  my  Father,  who  has  kept 

All  my  ways  in  peace  and  gladness  till  this  day. 

And  where'er  my  Captain  leadeth  I  may  go, 
Never  doubting,  for  he  keepeth  all  my  way ; 

He  has  tasted  all  the  bitter  dregs  of  woe, 

And  his  strength  shall  be  sufficient  for  my  day. 

Foes  on  every  side  are  hidden,  still  I  know 
That  His  ways  are  ways  of  pleasure  and  of  peace ; 

Though  the  path  is  steep  and  heavy,  I  would  go 
On  and  upward,  never  halting  till  life  cease. 


to 


Little  Things. 


A  discontented  drop  of  rain 

Went  floating  in  the  air ; 
It  said,  "The  truth  is  very  plain, 

No  one  will  ever  care." 
But  all  the  flowers  withered, 

And  the  fields  grew  brown  and  bare. 

Once  a  little  ray  of  sunshine 

Behind  a  cloud  did  stay, 
And  said,  "It  will  be  just  as  fine 

If  I  am  hid  to-day." 
But  it  was  dark  and  dreary 

Instead  of  bright  and  gay. 

Once  a  word  was  left  unspoken 
That  might  have  cheered  a  heart ; 

Two  lives  without  a  token 
Were  left  to  drift  apart. 

Oh,  the  days  of  sad  repining 
That  from  little  errors  start ! 


16 


Sleep. 


Sleep  brings  to  tired  workers — rest ; 
It  soothes  the  brain — the  soul  is  blest ; 
Dulls,  for  a  time,  the  sense  of  care, 
And  lulls  the  grief  and  wild  despair 
That  threatens  Reason  on  her  throne. 
This  naught  can  stay  but  sleep  alone. 

It  steals  upon  the  weary  brain 
Like  some  far-off  sweet  music  strain  ; 
While  'round  the  misty  shadows  play 
Of  some  bright,  half-forgotten  day  ; 
Till  o'er  the  face  there  comes  at  last 
The  wondrous  spell  that  sleep  has  cast. 
Soul's  mystery  it  e'er  must  be — 
Like  time,  death,  or  eternity. 


Guidance. 


Like  as  a  child  that's  gone  astray 

Once  more  seeks  home, 
So  does  my  wandering  heart  this  day 

To  Jesus  come. 

As  on  the  tender  grass  the  dew 

Refreshing  lies, 
So  let  Thy  love  my  heart  renew, 

And  make  me  wise. 

As  ocean's  waves  when  storm  is  passed 

Do  calmly  rest, 
So  let  my  sin-tossed  soul  at  last 

In  Christ  be  blest. 

As  stranger  in  a  dreary  land 

Would  seek  a  guide, 
So,  Jesus,  hold  me  by  the  hand — 

Walk  by  my  side. 


The  Lord  is  My  Shepherd. 


The  Lord  is  my  Shepherd, 

And  I  shall  not  want, 
He  will  guide  me  and  keep  me  from  sin ; 

His  love  is  my  refuge, 

His  mercy  my  hope, 
And  through  faith  in  His  promise  I  win. 

The  Lord  is  my  Shepherd ; 

He  leads  me  in  ways 
That  are  filled  with  the  light  of  His  love — 

Where  the  pastures  are  green, 

And  the  waters  are  pure  : 
For  they  flow  from  the  Fountain  above. 

The  Lord  is  my  Shepherd  ; 

Though  dangers  are  near 
And  the  pathway  grows  heavy  and  steep, 

His  strength  is  sufficient, 

His  promises  cheer : 
And  He  laid  down  His  life  for  His  sheep. 


21 


Meet  Care  Cheerfully. 


If  you  feel  that  you  are  slighted, 
Do  not  frown  and  be  distressed ; 

Bear  the  wrongs  that  can't  be  righted, 
And  with  courage  do  your  best. 

Others  have  their  cares  as  well — 

Sorrows  which  they  may  not  tell. 

Let  your  days  be  full  of  gladness, 
Meet  a  frown  with  ready  smile ; 

Lend  your  aid  to  those  in  sadness — 
Life  is  such  a  little  while. 

Let  each  passing  moment  prove 

That  your  heart  is  filled  with  love. 

As  you  grow  away  from  childhood, 
And  life's  cares  begin  to  press, 

Do  not  let  the  world,  intruding, 
Make  you  love  your  neighbor  less ; 

Have  compassion  while  you  may, 

Life  too  soon  will  slip  away. 

Do  not  waste  your  time  in  wishing 

For  a  greater  work  to  do, 
But  take  up  the  smallest  duty, 

Whatso'er  devolves  on  you  : 
Do  it  gladly  while  you  may, 
Ere  the  moments  slip  away. 


fl 


Who  tells  the  swallows  when  to  fly 

And  seek  a  warmer  home  ? 
Who  paints  the  clouds  in  crimson  dye 

As  night  shades  gently  come  ? 
Who  gives  the  bow  its  brilliant  hue, 
Its  shades  of  violet,  red,  and  blue  ? 

Some  claim  that  chance  has  formed  all  things- 

The  sun,  and  moon,  and  earth  ; 
They  think  that  out  of  nature  springs 

Man's  origin  and  birth  : 
They  doubt  divine,  eternal  love, 
They  doubt  the  God  who  rules  above. 

O  man  of  books,  thy  wisdom's  vain, 

Thy  reasoning  lacks  in  weight  ; 
Blind  to  the  truth  thou  dost  remain, 

Thy  words  are  errors  great. 
Look  and  behold  the  watchful  care 
Which  blossoms  in  the  daisy,  there. 

Go,  learn  of  Nature's  changing  scenes, 

The  seasons'  constant  round, 
And  ponder  what  the  lesson  means 

Which  in  their  laws  is  found  ; 
Go,  ask  the  waters  of  the  deep 
What  mighty  power  their  borders  keep. 


•25 


Go,  ask  the  stars  of  diamond  hue 

Who  hung  them  in  the  sky, 
And  how  they  keep  their  courses  true 

As  months  and  years  go  by ; 
Or  what  power  holds  all  things  in  place, 
And  where  the  bounds  of  time  and  space. 

Go,  man,  and  form  the  tiniest  blade 

That  sparkles  with  the  dew, 
And  when  thou  this  small  thing  hast  made 

Give  it  the  bright  green  hue ; 
Or,  failing,  know  God  rules  above, 
And  works  these  wonders  through  His  love. 


Do  Not  Forget. 


Forget  a  word  unkindly  spoken 

By  a  hasty  friend ; 
But  don't  forget  the  words  of   counsel 

Which  to  blessings  tend. 

Forget  your  ease  when  duty  calls  you, 

Put  all  scruples  by ; 
But  don't  forget  the  poor  and  needy 

When  affliction's  nigh. 

Forget  a  wrong  when  done  by  others, 

Lay  it  not  to  heart ; 
But  don't  forget  an  act  of  kindness 

On  another's  part. 

Forget  the  worry  and  the  heartache 

Of  a  stormy  life ; 
But  don't  forget  a  loving  Savior 

In  this  world  of  strife. 


29 


fl  Cheerful  Heart. 


O  beautiful  world  with  its  lights  and  its  shadows, 
Wonderful  world  with  its  pleasures  and  pain ! 

The  life  that  is  teeming  in  woodlands  and  meadows 
Shows  blessings  that  nature  has  not  sent  in  vain. 

When  youth  is  all  sunshine  we  sing  at  our  duty, 
And  wonder  that  people  can  ever  be  sad  ; 

Tho'  we  know   not  the   cares  that  may   come   as   we 

journey, 
The  heart  that  is  cheerful  makes  other  hearts  glad. 


No  End. 


There  is  no  end,  but  time  moves  on, 
And  day  gives  place  to  night ; 

A  thousand  years  are  but  as  one 
In  God's  eternal  sight. 

There  is  no  end;  this  earthly  ball, 
That  roams  through  space  so  broad, 

Can  never  reach  the  outer  wall 
That  bounds  the  works  of  God. 

There  is  no  end;  the  past  is  gone, 

The  future  yet  to  be  ; 
The  present  is  the  link  that  binds 

Time  with  Eternity. 

There  is  no  end  to  grace  divine, 

Or  precious  mercies  free ; 
A  glorious  hope  is  yours,  is  mine, 

If  Christ  our  refuge  be. 


BacK- 


Shall  we  look  in  future  ages 

Back  to  life  which  seemed  so  fair, 

Scan  its  marred  and  blotted  pages 
From  the  home  where  angels  are  ? 

Shall  we  see  a  hidden  meaning 
In  these  days  of  toil  and  care  ? 

Will  it  then  seem  plain  and  simple, 
All  these  changes  that  are  rife, 

Tangled  paths  o'er  which  we  stumble, 
Battling  in  this  daily  strife  ? 

Shall  we  see  that  all  these  trials 
Are  a  help  to  higher  life  ? 

Will  the  vanities  and  pleasures 
That  from  worldly  motives  spring 

In  our  hearts  be  counted  worthy 

That  our  souls  to  them  should  cling? 

Shall  we  see  how  vain  the  honor 
And  the  splendor  riches  bring  ? 

Dimmed  will  be  earth's  brightest  glory, 

Meaningless  in  Holy  eyes ; 
Naught  but  heart's  true  worth  is  treasured 

By  the  Father,  good  and  wise. 
Kindly  deeds,  however  simple, 

Will  be  works  we  then  shall  prize. 


Season's  Message. 


Did  you  ever  hear  the  message 
That  the  seashell  whispers  low, 

In  those  faint  and  dreamy  murmurs 
Of  the  waves  that  come  and  go  ? 

Singing  of  its  home,  the  ocean, 
Where  the  coral  bright  is  found, 

And  where,  hid  away  from  sunlight, 
Wonders  of  the  deep  abound. 

Sometimes  there  is  mighty  warfare 
Where  the  slimy  monsters  creep, 

And  earth's  battles  are  repeated 
By  the  creatures  of  the  deep. 

Silence  reigns  without  a  murmur 
In  the  tranquil  depths  below 

Which  are  filled  with  untold  wonders- 
For  our  Father  made  them  so. 

And  He  rules  the  waters  rightly, 
For  he  holds  them  in  His  hand ; 

While  His  ways  are  ways  of  wisdom, 
On  the  sea,  as  on  the  land. 


Indian 


The  oak  tree  is  a  russet  brown, 

The  maples  glow  in  red ; 
The  poplar,  with  its  golden  crown, 

Shows  Summer's  days  are  fled. 

The  wind  stirs  in  the  forest  trees, 
And  brings  the  acorns  down  ; 

The  corn  is  gathered  in  the  sheaves — 
There  lies  the  stubble  brown. 

The  golden  sun  casts  slanting  ray 

Half  hid  by  misty  cloud, 
While  o'er  the  brook  the  shadows  play 

Where  hazel  thickets  crowd. 

'Tis  one  of  Nature's  perfect  days 
That  long  in  memory  stand : 

The  light  of  Indian  Summer  lays 
On  wood  and  meadow-land. 

A  roseate  flush  o'erspreads  the  sky, 
The  sun  sinks  for  the  night, 

And  faintly  comes  the  wild  bird's  cry 
As  home  it  wings  its  flight. 

As  a  memento  of  the  past 
The  leaves  all  crumpled  lie ; 

Their  rustle  in  the  rising  blast 
Is  Summer's  farewell  sigh. 


3!) 


Thought  wings  its  way  at  lightning  speed, 

Outstripping  in  its  flight 
The  swiftest  foot  of  flying  steed, 
And  wanders  on  where  fancies  lead, 

Midst  worlds  of  wondrous  light. 

It  is  a  guide  in  halls  of  state, 
Where  Wisdom  holds  her  sway, 

And  dwells  among  the  wise  and  great ; 

While  by  its  help  a  nation's  fate 
Oft  marks  its  rising  day. 

It  sees  the  future  from  afar, 

And  reads  the  sign  of  days ; 
In  peace  it  builds  the  ship  of  war ; 
While  Wisdom  is  the  guiding  star 

Directing  all  its  ways. 

It  wanders  through  the  starry  sky, 

And  views  the  wonders  broad ; 
Far  past  the  bounds  of  human  eye, 
Where  worlds  in  circuit  onward  fly, 
Discerns  its  ruler,  God. 


41 


Ctiristiart's  Victory. 


'Tis  not  alone  the  Christian  meets 

Death's  conquering  sway, 
When  one  by  one  the  things  of  earth 

Shall  pass  away ; 
But  leaning  on  the  Savior's  arm, 

Who,  strong  to  save, 
Has  promised  an  eternal  life 

Beyond  the  grave. 

Safely  in  Jesus  Christ  to  rest 

When  life  shall  end : 
0  wondrous  mercy  that  has  sent 

Sinners  this  friend ! 
When  to  the  shelter  of  His  love 

The  soul  shall  flee, 
'Tis  then  that  death  is  swallowed  up 

In  victory. 

Blest  are  the  promises  that  cheer 

The  Christian's  way ; 
Death  is  the  soul's  awakening  to 

A  brighter  day — 
The  putting  off  of  grief  and  sin, 

And  mortal  pain, 
And,  through  redeeming  mercy,  free 

To  live  again. 


It  is  the  yielding  up  of  care 

And  sorrow  here, 
And  trusting  like  a  little  child 

Without  a  fear. 
And  while  to  promises  divine 

The  soul  shall  cling, 
0  grave,  where  is  thy  victory  ? 

And  death,  thy  sting? 


As  we  beneath  thy  shadows  rest, 

Kenilworth,  thou  grand  and  old, 
We  think  of  the  renown  which  blest 

These  walls  which  now  are  bare  and  bold ; 
The  conqueror  thy  ruin  wrought, 
But  still  thou  art  a  charming  spot. 

These  mossy  stones  speak  of  the  past, 
Where  hoary  trees  grow  from  the  wall 

Unshaken  by  the  winter's  blast, 
Whose  leaves  like  tear-drops  gently  fall ; 

And  ivy,  with  its  shield  of  green, 

Entwines  about  thee  like  a  screen. 

Bright  were  the  days  which  now  are  gone, 
When  echoing  through  thy  courts  there  rang 

The  sound  of  revelry  and  song, 
With  bugle  notes  and  sabre  clang  ; 

Valiant  and  brave  were  they  of  old — 

The  knights  who  did  this  castle  hold. 

Where  is  the  feast  and  revelry 

Which  once  made  glad  thy  banquet  hall  ? 
And  where  is  all  the  vast  array 

Of  trophies  which  adorned  thy  wall  ? 
We  vaguely  of  these  glories  dream, 
Of  battle  ax  and  armor  gleam. 

47 


Now  peaceful  sheep  rest  in  thy  hall 

Where  brave  and  beauty  once  did  tread, 

And  children  play  beneath  the  wall 
Where  royalty  the  dance  has  led. 

These  ruins  stand  to-day  to  tell 

The  story  of  the  brave  who  fell. 

Time  heals  the  scar  which  war  has  made, 
And  spreads  the  sod  where  ruins  are ; 

The  humble  daisy  shows  her  head 
Where  mighty  ones  engaged  in  war, 

And  on  the  ledges  of  thy  tower 

Blooms  undisturbed  the  wildwood  flower. 


ta 


Content. 

When  cares  oppress, 

And  fears  distress, 
And  heavy  clouds  hang  near, 

Shrink  not  with  dread, 

But  just  be  led 
By  Jesus'  loving  care. 

Why  doubt  this  love 

That  from  above 
The  raven's  cry  doth  hear  ? 

And  why  repine 

When  heaven  is  thine 
With  all  its  joys  to  share  ? 

Oh,  may  I  see 

His  love  to  me 
In  every  trial  sent ; 

His  ways  are  wise, 

My  duty  lies 
In  showing  true  content. 


41 


My  Soul  and  I. 


Soul,  thou  and  I  in  closest  tie 

Have  trod  life's  path  together  ; 
Through  hopes  and  fears  of  changing  years 

Our  interest  could  not  sever. 

In  youthful  days  when  wisdom's  ways 

We  were  so  long  in  learning, 
Soul,  thou  wert  blest  with  vague  unrest, 

For  better  things  wert  yearning. 

Our  pleasant  day  it  cannot  stay, 

Already  shadows  lengthen ; 
Life  soon  is  past,  but  grace  at  last 

In  Christ,  our  hope  shall  strengthen. 

Soon  we  must  part,  for,  Soul,  thou  #rt 

A  spirit,  and  immortal ; 
We're  joined  to-day,  but  this  poor  clay 

Must  leave  thee  at  death's  portal. 

But,  oh,  my  Soul,  as  ages  roll, 
And  all  these  wrongs  are  righted, 

When  storms  are  past,  through  faith  at  last 
We  then  shall  be  united  ! 


Hre  We  Ready? 


Are  we  ready  to  dare  and  to  do, 
To  take  up  the  standard  of  right, 

With  a  heart  that  is  valiant  and  true, 
For  Jesus,  our  Master,  to  fight  ? 

Are  we  ready  to  lay  down  our  will, 
And  work  for  our  Savior  alway, 

Let  the  light  of  His  influence  fill 

Each  moment  and  hour  of  our  day  ? 

Are  we  ready  to  take  as  our  guide 
The  grandest,  the  wisest  and  best, 

In  the  ways  of  our  Savior  abide, 
And  safe  in  His  promises  rest  ? 

Are  we  ready  when  duty  shall  call 

To  resign  the  bright  treasures  of  earth, 

Taking  Christ  as  our  hope  and  our  all, 
And  trust  in  His  infinite  worth  ? 


55 


Carry  All  to  Jestis. 


I  will  carry  my  sins  to  Jesus, 

Who  gives  of  His  bounty  each  day, 

And  crave  that  in  infinite  mercy 
He  keep  me  from  going  astray. 

I  will  carry  my  troubles  to  Jesus, 
And  safe  on  His  promises  rest ; 

No  ill  can  betide  those  He  loveth, 
For  they  by  His  presence  are  blest. 

I  will  carry  my  fears  to  Jesus, 
And  trust  in  His  mercy  to  me ; 

His  love,  which  is  tender  and  gracious, 
My  rock  and  my  anchor  shall  be. 


87 


In  a  Croi^d. 


I  like  to  pass  an  idle  hour 

In  studying  faces  in  a  crowd, 
In  noting  marks  of  character, 

E'en  though  the  voice  speaks  not  aloud  : 
For  there  is  written  on  each  face 
Some  mark  of  circumstance  or  place. 

The  man  of  care  you  soon  can  know, 

Although,  perchance,  intent  on  pleasure  ; 

Its  mark  is  still  upon  his  brow — 
Perhaps  'tis  lifted  in  a  measure  : 

But  still  the  face  is  apt  to  show 

What's  hidden  in  the  heart  below. 

The  scholar  has  a  look  refined 

We  readily  can  trace  ; 
The  marks  of  thought  are  ever  plain, 

We  read  them  in  his  face  : 
A  subtle  charm  that  wisdom  lends 
Oft  for  a  lack  of  grace  amends. 

The  maiden  fresh  from  school  we  see 

With  hopes  and  visions  fair, 
With  sunny  face  and  merry  laugh, 

And  heart  that's  free  from  care : 
The  dream  of  life  is  just  begun, 
Her  hopes  are  bright  as  noonday  sun. 


The  youth  to  manhood  scarcely  come 

In  ever  restless  mood, 
Desirous  mostly  to  do  right, 

But  seldom  understood : 
His  views  are  high  and  broad  of  plan; 
He's  anxious  to  be  thought  a  man. 

The  man  of  worth,  with  silvered  hair, 
And  step  which  marks  his  day's  decline ; 

His  sun  of  life  is  going  down, 
And  almost  spent  his  lot  of  time : 

But  still  his  eye  is  keen  and  bright — 

He,  sure,  has  fought  a  worthy  fight. 


Thou  Lovest  Me. 


I  will  not  doubt  the  hand   that  guides   my  ways, 
Though  hidden  from  my  sight  the  future  lays. 
Tho'  care  and  trouble  oft  my  portion  be, 
Yet,  Father,  I  believe  Thou  lovest  me. 

And  when  my  worldly  plans  are   set  at  naught, 
And  quite  a  different  path  I  would  have  sought, 
Oh,  let  my  faith  look  up  through  clouds  and  see 
That  trouble  oft  is  sent  in  love  to  me. 

And  then,  should  darker  days  their  shadows  cast, 
Let  hope  outshine  my  fears  until  the  last ; 
And  let  me  firmly  rest  on  mercy  free, 
Believing,  trusting  still,  Thou  lovest  me. 


R  Prayer. 


My  Father,  unto  Thee  I  pray : 
Help  me  to  know  Thy  perfect  way, 
And  let  me  not  in  error  stray  ; 
But  keep  and  guide  me  day  by  day 
In  ways  of  truth. 

All  things  in  heaven  and  earth  are  Thine, 
And  own  Thy  gracious  power  divine ; 
Sun,  moon  and  stars  Thy  glory  shine, 
While  wonder  fills  this  heart  of  mine 
At  Thy  great  love. 

In  sore  temptation  keep  me  true, 
And  help  me  all  my  journey  through  ; 
By  grace  and  love  my  heart  renew, 
And  give  me  willingness  to  do 
Thy  will,  0  Lord. 

And  if  dark  shadows  should  arise 
And  hide  Thy  glory  from  mine  eyes, 
Oh,  look  Thou  down  and  hear  my  cries— 
Thou  who  art  just,  supreme  and  wise, 
Show  me  Thy  grace. 

My  worldly  cares  I  leave  with  Thee ; 
And  all  those  who  are  dear  to  me, 
Oh,  give  them  of  Thy  mercy  free, 
That  Thy  redeemed  ones  they  may  be 
In  Thy  good  time. 


On  Passing  a  Graveyard. 


On  the  mountain  side  we  pass 
A  village  white  and  fair ; 

Every  house  so  small — alas, 
There  is  no  room  to  spare. 

Quiet  reigns  in  every  street, 

No  traffic  to  and  fro ; 
Here  it  is  that  equals  meet, 

With  neither  high  nor  low. 

Busy  strife  is  laid  aside 
With  every  anxious  care ; 

Friend  or  foe  are  not  denied 
If  they  would  enter  there. 

As  we  turn,  the  mountain  high 
Has  hid  the  scene  from  view ; 

While  we  breathe  a  gentle  sigh 
For  those  we  never  knew. 


tr 


Life's  Tangled  Web. 


Oh,  the  tangled  web  that  Time  doth  spin 
While  the  busy  thread  weaves  out  and  in  ! 
Around  the  hopes  of  youthful  days 
What  promise  of  bright  future  plays ! 

In  its  silken  threads  are  golden  gleams, 
And  castles  fair  of  youthful  dreams ; 
But  Time  goes  on,  and  destiny 
Weaves  in  our  lives  what  is  to  be. 

The  shuttle  flies,  nor  can  it  stay 

While  Time  leaves  marks  in  threads  of  gray. 

The  spinners  falter,  one  by  one, 

The  web  is  finished — life  is  done. 


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